Nutrition services

Children need good nutrition to develop healthy bodies and minds. But some children face health difficulties, such as food allergies or diabetes, that can make getting the nutrition they need challenging. Nutrition Services provides customized nutrition assessments, planning and advice designed to help your child grow and be healthy.

Through medical nutrition therapy, a Cook Children's pediatric dietitian can help prevent and manage diseases that affect your child's health, fitness and overall well-being. Cook Children's has registered dietitians and dietetic technicians on staff to help with your child's nutritional needs from birth all the way through the teen years.

Services offered

We offer individual and group counseling where kids and families can learn about the nutritious options available to them in a fun and supportive environment. Counseling is available in English and Spanish.

Individual counseling is available for the following:

Weight management (overweight/obesity)

Underweight and failure to thrive

Food allergies/food intolerance

Picky eating and normal nutrition

Nutrient deficiencies

Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, elevated blood cholesterol

Vegetarian/vegan diets

Tube feedings

Request a nutrition appointment

To request a nutrition appointment, please call 682-885-6114 so we can receive your information. We will then contact your doctor to request a referral and schedule the appointment.

Nutrition University

Healthy Lifestyles Program

Let our team of registered dietitians help you by enrolling in one of our summer sessions of Nutrition University. The first session begins Tuesday evening, February 11 through Tuesday, April 8, from 5:30-7p.m. (8 weeks).

Classes are for children ages 7-18. Parents must attend class with children. The cost is $75 and must be paid by cash or check.

For more information and to sign up, please call 682-885-6114,or submit the forms below. Physician referral is required.

Program overview

Since Fall of 2009, Nutrition University has enrolled 90 participants. In the past year, more than 75% of participants have successfully completed the program. More than 60% of participants completing the program reduced their body mass index (BMI) (an indicator of body fatness) and waist circumference. 80% have had reductions in blood pressure.

Each family will be provided with:

Materials and tools to support their child in the program

Help with adoption of healthy lifestyle habits

Nutrition and physical activity information

Goal setting tips for long-term weight maintenance

Healthy food demonstrations

Upon completion of the session, participants will be able to:

Set realistic goals

Identify healthy portion sizes

Understand how to read food labels

Identify emotional eating and its triggers

Gain the information needed to consume a balanced diet including all the food groups

Learn the best ways to be more physically active

Discuss the program with your physician to help determine if the program is best suited for your child. You also may need to ask your child's doctor for a referral. For your and your doctor's convenience, referral forms are provided in PDF format below.

Nutrition University Mini-Courses

For families who can't attend a full Nutrition University course, Nutrition Services offers mini-courses in English or Spanish on weight management with tips on managing cholesterol and triglycerides.

Parents and kids can learn the basics of eating for a healthy lifestyle. If your child has elevated cholesterol or triglycerides or is overweight, we want to help! We will teach you ways to move your child to a healthy weight and keep their risk for high cholesterol and chronic disease low.

To sign up for classes, please call 682-885-6114. We'll get in touch with your doctor and ask for a referral. Classes are held in our new location:
Dodson Specialty Clinics - 5th Floor